incubating call duck egg, help!

[chickens really]

Studies indicate that the more frequently that eggs are turned especially during the early days of incubation, the better it is for the hatchlings. At least one poster has posted that she never turns her eggs. Personally I am lazy so I use an auto turner which turns my eggs every 3 hours.

Hatching Eggs 101 by @Sally Sunshine is an excellent source of information.

I have great success and turn only twice or three times a day. A mother bird sure doesn't count or turn every egg like clockwork.

 

[Jkduckster]

Ok I am running the incubator at 101.5 ill leave it there to stabilize.

 

[R2elk]

I have great success and turn only twice or three times a day. A mother bird sure doesn't count or turn every egg like clockwork.

Based on my own observations, hens turn their eggs very frequently.

 

[chickens really]

Based on my own observations, hens turn their eggs very frequently.

Well I marked a nest to observe and actually this one Hen didn't turn frequently and hatched out good.
Oh well we all do what we think is right..

 

[DuckyDonna]

take a pencil and put an X on one side of the egg and an O on the other side so you'll know which way to turn them

 

[R2elk]

take a pencil and put an X on one side of the egg and an O on the other side so you'll know which way to turn them

An arrow pointing in one direction on the X side and the opposite direction on the O side is also suggested to help prevent always turning them in the same direction.

 

[chickens really]

An arrow pointing in one direction on the X side and the opposite direction on the O side is also suggested to help prevent always turning them in the same direction.

Actually eggs should be turned constantly in the same direction in an incubator..

 

[R2elk]

Actually eggs should be turned constantly in the same direction in an incubator..

You really need to research this to learn the proper methods. It is possible to break the chalazae if the eggs are constantly turned in the same direction.

From Hatching Eggs 101 by @Sally Sunshine

"Failure to turn eggs during incubation CLEARLY reduces hatchability in every scholarly study & clinical trial.

Mark eggs, using a pencil, with an X on one side and an O on the other. Make sure to turn the eggs at least 3 times a day, or odd number of times. Turning by hand they should always be turned an odd amount of times and move them to a different part of the tray to protect them from temperature variation. You basically roll the eggs with your fingers/palm from X to O. It is important to NOT ROLL the eggs in the same direction every time. Improper rolling can cause the chalazae that holds the yolk in place to tear. Turning the egg prevents the embryo from touching and attaching to the membrane inside the egg. The most convenient way to turn eggs is to purchase an egg turner. Take extra precautions when turning eggs during the first week of incubation. The developing embryos have delicate blood vessels that rupture easily when severely jarred or shaken, thus killing the embryo."

@Sally Sunshine did her research very well prior to writing this guide.

 

[Jkduckster]

I put my eggs in the incubator this morning.

 

[chickens really]

I put my eggs in the incubator this morning.

Good luck...